bracelets

A common form of personal adornment in the biblical world. They were usually made of bronze or precious metals, although iron examples are known and glass bracelets abounded in the Roman period. Both males and females wore bracelets, which were placed at or near the wrist, in contrast to armlets, which adorned the upper arm. In addition to being decorative items, bracelets could serve, as did jewelry in general, as a repository of wealth. The story of Rebekah (Gen 24:22; Gen 24:30; Gen 24:47) demonstrates their use as items of monetary value, as does the fact that bracelets were among the valuables donated to the tent of meeting (Num 31:50).